Cool Roof On Commercial Buildings

One popular roof choice among many roof models that many people can now opt for is cool roofing when it comes to commercial buildings. Because many people often frequent commercial buildings daily, building owners need to pay attention to energy efficiency. One practical solution to mitigate heat-island issues is by shifting into a cool roofing style.

What is cool roofing?

A cool roof is any roofing designed to minimize heat absorption. These roofing products include cool roof coatings mostly white or have specific reflective pigments that are typically light-colored and can be used ideally in residential and commercial applications. These coatings are very thick paint that provides chemical protection, ultra-violet protection, and waterproofing. Almost any type of building can benefit or can have a cool roof together, considering the climate and any other factors before installing.

A cool roof is excellent at absorbing less heat and reflecting more sunlight compared to standard roofing. Often, cool roofs are highly reflective shingles or tiles, a sheet covering, or a highly reflective paint type. Traditional roofing can reach a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit or more during summer, while a cool roof in the same condition could only get 50 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

More buildings will stay cooler by implementing more reflective roof surfaces, placing less demand on power, and reducing operating costs for the owners. A cooler environment also minimizes smog and reduces potential harmful emissions.

Benefits of Cool Roofings On Commercial Buildings

1. The Comfort of Building Occupants

Occupants and visitors of commercial buildings can experience the following benefits of a cool roof:

• It improves indoor comfort spaces which are not air-conditioned, like covered patios and garages.
• Low roofing temperature. Absorb less heat which has a good impact on roofing longevity.
• Minimizing air conditioner needs that will result in low energy bills. It will also give an aesthetic if you include a Flat Panel Skylight on your ceilings in your indoor architectural design.

2. Environment-friendly

Aside from the building itself, cool roofing also benefits the environment, especially when almost all community structures have a cool roof. Cool roofing can:

• Lessen local air temperatures, most of the time referred to as the urban island heat effect.
• Reduce peak electricity demand; can help to avoid power outages.
• Lowers power plant emissions, including sulfur dioxide, mercury, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide, though low energy consumption and demand in the buildings.

3. Help Control the Moisture

Especially in warm locations, moisture can be more susceptible to algae and mold growth than hot roofs. Nevertheless, cool roof coatings have selected ingredients and chemicals that prevent mold growth and algae for years. It is essential to know the most suitable roof material in the climate you live in; if in doubt, it is better to ask professionals to help you find the appropriate material for your cool roofing.

In colder regions, roofs can accumulate moisture by condensation. That’s where techniques and proper design come in– to ensure that the roof stays healthy and cool for years to come.

4. Cost-Efficient

It is cost-efficient. If you install a brand new roof that is also cool, the roofing will not cost you more. It has almost the same price as installing a regular roof which is not an excellent roof design.

Additionally, a cool roof can reduce your energy consumption, saving you money in the long run. It helps to improve overall comfort, which has a positive impact on the business.

5. Cool Roofs Are Easy to Install

If your roof has caused your air condition unit to work harder than it needs to, it might be time to think about new roofing. However, installing brand new roofing can break the bank.

A cool roofing coating can work in almost any existing type of roofing, and the materials are easy to use and apply. Hence, installing a cool roof will save you money and time and help you stop the demolition of your existing roofing.

6. Extends The Roof’s Life Span

Too much heat absorbed can add stress to the roofing. Installing a cool roof that reflects heat will prolong the lifespan of your roofing. When deciding to install a cool roof, it is better to determine if the cost will justify the energy savings. Energy consumption depends on the building’s environment and climate, the efficiency of your cooling and heating system, and the type of roof you have.

During the planning phase of a new building, it is better to decide whether to install regular roofing or cool roofing. There are three primary options:

• Cover the roofing with heat-reflective specialized material
• Apply tile coating or waterproofing surface
• Install a cool roof material

If your roof is already near the end of its lifespan, it is best to retrofit, re-cover or replace the entire roof. For the past few years, the trend towards energy-efficient roof technology has been coming out in construction circles and design. Cool roofing evolves to help structures become more energy-efficient and keep the building cooler. When embarking on a roof resurfacing project for a commercial building, this roofing technology is an attractive choice, given its positive impact on the environment and potential savings.

7. LEED and Cool Roofing

Reflective roof products can help obtain Leadership in Energy and Environment Design – LEED certification for a building. Using cool roofing materials can help achieve as much as 22 points in minimum LEED certification.

8. Cool Roofing Maintenance

Requirements in maintenance will vary widely from the manufacturers in cool roofing systems. Some could be effectively maintenance-free or require an annual inspection to check any damages from outside elements like hail storms and others. In contrast, others may need regular re-coating to maintain the best performance. Some cool roofing materials are cleanable by water and soap to maintain the highest reflectivity.

Conclusion

Several cities across the country are initiating cool roof programs. While these programs have some resistance in certain places, the changes it brings will have an ultimate impact to help cities to reduce the spikes in energy demand during summer.

Installing a cool roof in a commercial building could be one of the best options to support a greener building design. Aside from being cost-efficient, it provides many benefits such as comfort, energy-saving, and less impact on the environment, which also helps the next generation to have a comfortable place to live.